Olympic Women's Beach Volleyball: A Photo Slideshow

American beach volleyball stars Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor had a close call Friday morning in Beijing, winning their match against Belgium after five set points in the first set. The defending gold medalists, Walsh was also celebrating her 30th birthday.

The sport has proven a television success, with it's combination of athleticism, bikinis, blaring music and cheerleaders.

After almost a week of competition, here are some of the best AP photos so far.

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Misty May-Treanor in action in Beijing

And her partner Kerri Walsh

The German duo of Laura Ludwig and Sara Goller played in the rain on Thursday

And defeated a pair from Greece

Brazil's Larissa lunges

Larissa only has one name, like Madonna

America's other duo, Nicole Branagh, left, and Elaine Youngs are the last pair to beat Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor

Mexico's Mayra Garcia

Brazil's Ana Paula

Cuba's Dalixia Fernandez Grasset

Stephanie Pohl of Germany dives during a match against the Netherlands

Austria's Doris Schwaiger reacts during a match against Mexico on Thursday

Greece's Vassiliki Arvaniti

Vasiliki Karantasiou, left, and Vasiliki Arvaniti lost 2-0 to Austria

Japan's Chiaki Kusuhara, left, and Mika Saiki sit in the sand during a match against Norway